Bridlington is one of the Yorkshire coasts most popular holiday venues. The focal point of this town is without doubt its harbour complex, in particular its north and south piers. Plans are in the pipeline for this entire complex to be redeveloped, including a rumored 1 mile long harbour wall stretching out into the north sea.

For many years Bridlington has been renowned for its boat fishing, but in recent years falling catches of cod and ling, and the old-school attitude towards fish conservation of a number of its skippers, have resulted in a dented reputation. Things aren't all bad though with catches of bass, tope and shark reported the opportunity is there for it to reinvent itself as a top sport fishing port.

The piers are very popular with anglers due to their easy access to deeper water and generally snag free bottom. Catches from them are seldom groundbreaking, but good bags of whiting and flatties can quite easily be caught. The whiting are often of a very good stamp as well during the winter. In the past few years a number of good bass up to double figures have been caught, but they are very rare indeed at this size.

Many anglers try to get as far along the pier as possible in the belief that catches will be better in the deeper water. This isn't always the case. Fish will often go to where there is a regular supply of food. A low water recce can give clues as to where fish are likely to be found. Below is a photo showing crab claws etc from the processing factory, mussels and razorfish all which have been washed into one area.

The south pier may be fished all year round, although it does get very busy during summer. The north pier on the other hand is closed to anglers between April and the end of September, in the interest of public safety.

PLEASE TAKE ALL OF YOUR RUBBISH HOME WITH YOU. LITTERING RUNS THE RISK OF THE COUNCIL CLOSING THE PIERS TO ANGLERS (WHICH HAS HAPPENED ELSEWHERE). IT ALSO CREATES BAD PUBLICITY FOR THE SPORT. PLEASE BE RESPONSIBLE WITH YOUR RUBBISH.

Caution:Bridlington harbour is a working harbour and anglers should be aware of the associated dangers, such as vehicles traveling to and from the processing plant ant the end of the south pier. Weaver fish are also caught from the harbour. These are poisonous and will result in a nasty sting which, in severe cases, can cause death. Ensure that you know how to recognise weaver fish.

Your guide to some of the BEST SEA FISHING VENUES on the Yorkshire coast.

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